Fairy tale at home - sulange magnolia
The words of the famous song “the sea splashes in the land of magnolias” show that the territory with a warm climate is considered the birthplace of this plant. One of the most beautiful of its representatives is sulange magnolia. An amazingly beautiful shrub tends to bloom continuously for about 30 days. Therefore, having become better acquainted with the plant, only a few refuse to grow it in their country house.
The bush got its name in memory of the great French biologist E. Soulange. Thanks to his painstaking work in the field of selection, this pretty plant was born.
Magnolia sulange: features and external description
Looking closely at the foliage of the plant, you can note the following points:
- light green color;
- matte shade;
- large size;
- the back side is pubescent.
The main advantage of the shrub is its exquisite large buds. Some of them reach 25 cm in diameter. Their coloring is:
- white;
- purple;
- red;
- white and pink.
Soulange magnolia blooms in late April or early May, depending on climatic conditions. Fruits appear only in the middle of autumn.
When growing a shrub at home, it is advisable to be patient. In the first year after planting, only single buds appear, the number of which increases with the age of the shrub.
Research by scientists shows that the soulangeana magnolia thrives in an urban area close to industrial plants. Exhaust gases and polluted atmosphere do not affect the development and growth of the plant.
Popular types of shrub
Experienced breeders are constantly developing new varieties of plants. Today there are about 20 different decorative items. The main difference between shrubs is foliage and crown shape. A detailed description of the sulange magnolia helps you get to know this gorgeous plant better.
Snow White Beauty - Alba Superba
The plant is characterized by light green foliage, which acquires a classic yellowness in the autumn. During the flowering period, graceful white buds with a heady aroma appear on the shrub. From the outside, they resemble stately tulips. Magnolia sulange Alba superba blooms at the end of April or on May holidays, giving solemnity to the environment.
To enjoy the long flowering of the shrub, it should be planted in open areas where there is a lot of sunlight. Otherwise, the plant will hurt and eventually die.
Magnolia sulange superba appears to gardeners in the form of a tall compact tree that reaches 3 meters in height. It fits wonderfully into the landscape of a country house, especially during its lush flowering period. It is grown as an exotic decoration in city parks and public gardens. It is impossible to convey in words the greatness and uniqueness of this plant.
Two-tone masterpiece of nature
An exquisite tree, growing up to 7 m, is distinguished by a low-planted oval crown. It consists of many flexible shoots, on which magical goblet buds of large sizes are formed in spring. On average, they reach 25 cm in diameter. Soulange Rustic Rubra's magnolia grows rather quickly. Already in the second year after planting, it gives many exquisite flowers to its constant fans. They are often painted in two colors. The inside is white, the outside is pink. A truly magical plant that exudes a pleasant scent.
A short "lady" with a stylish name - Susan
It is this hybrid of sulange magnolia that is considered the most popular among gardeners. The shrub grows only up to 3 meters, forming a conical crown. Over the years, it rounds a little, and the plant takes on a completely different look. Many shoots of the bush are covered with large foliage. During the flowering period, the greenery is complemented by buds that resemble majestic lilies. They are colored deep pink. Delivers a pleasant scent after sunset.
The shrub grows best in well-drained soil, open but calm areas where there is a lot of sunlight.
Basic principles of planting a plant
Some gardeners hesitate to plant sulange magnolia on their plots, because they think that it will not survive the winter cold. However, applying the basic principles of planting a plant, you can easily grow this lush beauty in your yard.
When purchasing a seedling in a store, it is better to give preference to specimens on which flower buds have already appeared.
Choosing a location and suitable soil
Planting sulange magnolia begins with finding a suitable site. It is the favorable conditions that contribute to the successful development of the shrub. Therefore, when choosing a place, you should consider the following factors:
- openness;
- direct access to sunlight;
- lack of drafts.
It has been observed that magnolia, planted in partial shade, grows well in such a place for the first few years. But with age, she needs a lot of light, so the plant can get sick and dry out over time. In addition, the quality of the soil in which the tree is planted is important. It's great if it is fertile and has good drainage. The lime option can be fertilized:
- manure;
- compost;
- peat;
- bone meal;
- ash;
- sand.
Since magnolia is difficult for transplanting, it is necessary to consider initially how it will look against the background of other plants. From the point of view of the design of the territory, it is better to use it as the central decorative culture of the garden.
Landing technology
The best option for planting a seedling in open ground is autumn. At this time, the plant is in relative dormancy, which contributes to a successful wintering. If the seedling is in a container, then first it is poured with water in order to abundantly wet the soil. Then they remove it together with a lump of earth, transferring it to the prepared hole.
The size of the fossa should be approximately 3 times the volume of the rhizome.
Showing love for the plant - gentle care
Planting and caring for sulange magnolia is considered painstaking work that is important to do with discretion. Consider the basic rules for caring for a plant.
Watering
Despite the fact that the shrub is a moisture-loving plant, moisture stagnation at its root system should not be allowed. Only warm water should be used for watering.
And during a drought, magnolia needs abundant spraying.
Soil care
Since the root system of magnolia is close to the surface, the soil around the trunk is not loosened deeply and very carefully. Weeds are mostly harvested by hand. For better development of the shrub, they use near-stem mulch, consisting of sawdust, straw, bark of conifers or rotted foliage. It will protect the soil from drying out and weeds.
The mulch is placed at a distance of 50 cm from the trunk.
Preparing for the cold
Knowing how to shelter a magnolia for the winter will help you admire the bush for decades. In late autumn, when the plant hibernates, experienced gardeners insulate the heat-loving bushes. Burlap or special fiber is suitable for this business. The trunk is wrapped with material, and spruce branches or mulch are spread around it. Such a "cover" will protect the sulange magnolia from hypothermia of flower buds during the winter thaws.